Some Russian officials – or reporters – have an unfortunate habit of making ambitious statements about things their space program will do, with nothing to verify it. An example is “Russia claims to be ahead in race to put man on Mars” (8/1). This inevitably leads to much derision and no-one taking them seriously, as the reactions to the article in this thread at NASASpaceflight.com display:
As for the Russian space program in this world, I personally look forward to every one of their news releases about their future plans, each more ridiculously audacious than the previous. Still waiting for “Russia Plans Alpha Centauri Mission”. I know it’s coming one day.
Reminds me of the fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” – meaning that, if Russia ever does begin a serious Mars mission, no one will believe them! Perhaps the better option is to keep silent, plan and develop a mission in secret then surprise everyone by announcing on launch day that they’re going to Mars. China is secretive about their space program; perhaps that’s what they’re doing!
Be nice if Russia could surprise everyone and get to Mars before 2020 (or better, 2015) – but that seems unlikely, unless they get a President who is a spaceflight enthusiast.
“Space Research Can Improve Life On Earth”, RIA Novosti, 11/4.
“Scrap unlucky 13th mission: Russian space chief ”, Space Daily, 14/4. Anatolii Perminov suggests renaming Soyuz TMA-13 to -14 out of superstition! Maybe he is joking! Though remember what happened to Apollo-13…
“Russia continues flight simulation experiments for Mars-500”, RIA Novosti, 15/4. Four volunteers will spend ten days in a compression chamber with a reduced oxygen level as preparation for Mars-500; this will provide information on the physiological impact of a flight to Mars and back. No date for the experiment given in the article.
